If the beach is too hot or the vacation seems too long, here are some suggestions for fun with friends and family …
Biking–Plenty of places rent bikes, all sorts of bikes, some will hold a whole family. Get out and explore the town. It’s good exercise too and may even tire the kids out. For bike rentals Click Here
Cape May County Park and Zoo–A great place to spend a whole day. Besides the wonderful zoo, there is a large playground, picnic area, and gift shops. Some days the county schedules special events there. Located on Route 9, there’s plenty of parking and admission is free. 465-5271, For the Zoo's website Click Here
Lighthouses–Take a trip to the Hereford Lighthouse at Central and First avenues in North Wildwood and then compare that to the lighthouse in Cape May at 605 Pearl Ave., Cape May Point. They are very different styles and each is worth the trip.
Victorian Cape May–Explore this wonderful city on foot, on bikes, on the trolley or in a horse-drawn cab. Victorian architecture, antiques, restaurants and shopping are not to be missed. Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) offers a Family Treasure Hunt Tour for the whole family. Wander the streets of Victorian Cape May on this educational scavenger hunt. Pick up your Treasure Hunt Packet at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth, and you'll get a clue sheet, map, and answer sheet. There is also a self-guided experience. Using the hand-held Acoustiguide units, you'll hear about the history and architecture of 96 Cape May landmarks. Set your own pace, and visit them in any order you choose. Rental fee $10 per unit. Available daily from 9 am to 2:30 pm in the Hill House office at the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. For more information Click Here
Birding–With abundant wetlands, expansive undeveloped areas and a prominent location along migratory paths, Cape May County offers a unique vantage point for observing many bird species. Accordingly, Cape May County is a coveted destination for avid birders. Birding can make for a fun and interesting outing for amateurs too! For the Cape May Bird Observatory website Click Here
The Wetlands Institute–Stone Harbor Boulevard in Stone Harbor. Discover why this is "The Natural Place to Have Fun!" Learn about coastal ecosystems in a fun and educational experience for families. Kids can feed the terrapin turtles, explore the salt marsh trail, and climb the observation tower. Special activities are always going on. Good on a rainy day, too. 368-1211. For the Wetlands Institute website Click Here
Salt Marsh Safari–Explore the Cape May Coastal Wetlands Wildlife Management Area aboard the 40' SKIMMER. Tours explore the coastal salt marsh. Itinerary includes natural history, fish, crustaceans, shellfish, marine mammals, plant life, tidal flows, and bird life. Ideal for adults and kids. Each season holds spectacular natural wonders. In spring and fall reservations are essential, 884-3100 or visit www.skimmer.com
Cape May Diamonds–Go "prospecting" for these Jersey gems at Sunset Beach or other beaches along the Delaware Bay. The "diamonds" are actually small, glistening pieces of clear quartz which can be culled - or "panned" - from the coarse sands of the Delaware Bay beaches. A great end-of-day activity: start hunting in the late afternoon sun, then stick around for a beautiful sunset across the bay.
Miniature Golf–There are many local sites to choose from. Take the challenge to visit five different ones and vote for your favorite. On the Boardwalk at Morey’s Piers, Mariner’s Landing, there’s a great one that is mostly covered. Good for a rainy or too hot a day. For miniature golf locations Click Here
Parks and Playgrounds–Every town has a municipal park and/or playground. Amenities often include skate board parks, tennis courts, bocce courts, nature trails and other activities.For a listing of these facilities Click Here For playgrounds, add keyword "playground."
Library–Reading is a classic way to spend time on vacation. The libraries of Cape May County often feature special events such as puppet shows, guest speakers, and other child-oriented activities. Great for a rainy day. CMC Main Library 463-6350, http://www.cmclibrary.org/
Amusement & Water Parks–Ocean City and Wildwood have great water parks on their boardwalks. Additionally, Cape May and other towns have arcades and other amusements. Great for the whole family. For amusements Click Here. For water parks Click Here
Boating & Fishing–There are many water-related activities besides body-surfing. Fishing or crabbing is a perfect way to spend the day while at the shore. Many marinas rent boats or if your not comfortable running one yourself, go out on a party or charter boat. Kids are always welcome. The more adventurous may want to parasail. For boat rentals Click Here. For fishing regulations Click Here. For fishing reports Click Here. For boat excursions and charters Click Here
Kayaking–Check the local directory or marina for kayak rentals. Many offer lessons as well. For kayaking rentals Click Here
Whale & Dolphin Watching–Check the local phone books for boats that go out specifically to find these magnificent creatures. For charters Click Here
Cape May-Lewes Ferry–This is a great day trip across the Delaware Bay. Trip from one side to the other takes about 100 minutes. You can walk on, drive on, bike on, then explore the towns of Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. Trolleys are available. 889-7200. For ferry schedules and information Click Here
Historic Cold Spring Village–an Early American open-air living history museum brings to life the day-to-day activities of villagers living in South Jersey during the “age of homespun,” 1790-1840. Interactive, educational, and hands-on family activities take place along our 22 acres of shaded lanes, gardens and farm. Visit 26 restored antique buildings housing historically-clothed interpreters, who educate and entertain visitors about the lifestyles, issues, trades and crafts of yesteryear. Children enjoy playing at the activity area where they take part in a variety of projects such as trying on costumes, participating in hands-on crafts and playing games. The Village is located just north of Cape May City. 898-2300. For more information Click Here
Naval Air Station (NAS) Wildwood–NAS Wildwood was commissioned on April 1, 1943. The site served as an active dive-bomber squadron training facility from 1943 to 1945. The 92,000SF wooden structure is renovated and listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places at the National Significance Level. The Museum boasts over 26 aircraft displays as well as exhibits of military memorabilia, engines, photographs and more, including interactive exhibits which explore the science of flight. The museum features a library, food vending area and gift shop. NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum regularly hosts activities including fly-ins, aviation festivals and various community events. For more information Click Here
Cape May County Museum–Located on Route 9 in Court House this museum is often overlooked. There are several buildings to explore and a guide is on hand. 465-3535. For more information Click Here
Leaming’s Run Gardens and Colonial Farm–invites visitors to relax and enjoy lush gardens It’s an outdoor classroom for children and their families to learn about plants and wildlife. It’s also a historic site that offers glimpses into a long, rich history with colonial origins. There’s something here for everyone: bridges, ponds and nooks are just a part of the many individually designed and expertly crafted gardens that comprise the largest annual gardens in the USA. There are 25 themed gardens, a fernery, and a shady bamboo grove. 465-5871. For more information Click Here
Nature Center of Cape May–focuses on "hands-on" activities. The environmental education campus, located on the shores of Cape May Harbor near the Coast Guard Base, includes the Trucksess Welcome Center, a three-story observation tower, indoor observation lounge, three classrooms, exhibit aquaria, a small gift shop, and multiple themed display gardens. The harbor and adjacent area provide natural classrooms that are close to a diversity of habitats. Call 898-8848. For more information Click Here
Cape May Point State Park–The beach, dunes, freshwater wetlands and ponds, and forested trails, located at the tip of the peninsula, make the Cape May Point State Park a wonderfully diverse natural area. Situated with the Cape May Lighthouse, the Park offers great opportunities to see dolphins and other ocean life, bird migration and monarch butterfly migration. There are beautiful ponds and dunes, a beach and wonderful views of the ocean. 884-2159. For more information Click Here
Movies–Several of the seashore towns have movie theaters. For area theaters Click Here
Plays and Live Shows–Enjoy a live performance, perhaps a dinner theater. To explore the possibilitiesClick Here
Beyond the county line ...
Historic Smithville and Village Greene–A wonderful place to shop and stroll. Enjoy the views, cafes, restaurants and shops. There is a special event or activity every week of the year. For more information Click Here
Lucy the Elephant, Margate–The oldest remaining example of zoomorphic architecture left in the United States. Over 126 years old, she has been painstakingly restored into the beautiful structure. A very unusual trip, Lucy offers activities for children. 823-6473. For more information Click Here
Atlantic City–Even if you don't "roll the dice" [minors are not allowed on gaming floors], Atlantic City is interesting and entertaining. Great shopping at The Walk or - in rainy weather, there is ample shopping on The Pier. Be sure to enjoy the musical water show at the end of the pier (typically, on the hour). For more information Click Here
